ABB’s wireless motor-monitoring technology, originally announced at last year’s Hannover Fair, is now entering the commercial phase, allowing users of many LV motors (not just ABB’s) to check the condition of their machines via a smartphone or Web portal. The quick-mounting Ability Smart Sensor, which does not needed any wired connections to the motor, transmits data to the cloud where predictive analysis reveals information on the motor and its performance.

ABB predicts that the technology will cut motor downtimes by up to 70%, extend lifetimes by up to 30%, and reduce energy consumption by up to 10%.

Over the past year, the sensor has undergone pilot trials around the world with “very positive results”, according to ABB.

Otto Preiss, managing director of the company’s motors and generators business, describes it as “truly a quantum leap for millions of LV motors. It enables plant operators to do effective maintenance planning for their motors, assess the efficiency of their operations, and prevent costly downtime.

ABB says its wireless motor-monitoring technology will cut downtime by up to 70%

“We are confident that this solution will not only transform maintenance approaches, but also create added operational value for our customers,” he adds.

The first sensors to be released can be used with safe-area induction motors in IEC frame sizes 160–450 for direct-on-line S1 duties. Initial functions being monitored include bearing health, vibration, surface temperature, speed, supply frequency and the number of starts. Firmware updates will add extra functions, including energy consumption (due later in 2017). The first systems will transfer data via a smartphone app. A gateway for automated data-uploading will be launched later this year.